Ignition means for internal-combustion engines



P. WALTERS IGNITION MEANS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES- Filed Feb. 28, 1922 6 VA W Z20 H Z It 2 5, l L [I E l1 5 E &7

W/T/VESSES l/VVE/VTUI? I a 5mm WALTERS.

A TTOR/VEYS P atented July 15, 1924.

T STATES PERCY WALTERS, OF YONKEBS, NEW YORK.

IGNITION MEANS FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES.

Application filed February 28, 1922. Serial No. 540,016.

To all whom it my concem:

Be it known that I PERCY WAIJIERS, a citizen of the United tates, and a resident of Yonkers, in the county of Westchester e and State of New York (whose post-ofiice address is Motor Transport, Y. M. C. A.,

A. F. in G., Coblenz, Germany), have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ignition Means for Internal-Combustion Engines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to ignition means for internal combustion engines.

The object of the invention is to provide means whereby the ignition in the internal combustion engine may be self contained, that is to say, means whereby the explosion in one cylinder will cause the explosion in the succeeding cylinder in their order of firing and thus eliminate any necessit of an electric ignition system which is usua 1y employed in conjunction with internal combustion engines.

It is also an object of the invention that suitable ignition means be provided for the initial starting of the engine with which the present invention may be associated.

It is a further object of the invention that the means referred to for carrying out the objects of the invention be in the form of an attachment and adapted to be applied or connected in an easy manner to any standard type of internal combustion en- It is a still further object of the invention that the attachment referred to for accomplishing the objects of invention be extremely simple in construction and inexpensive to apply.

Other objects and advantages relating to details of construction will hereinafter apear. P The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side elevation of a four cylinder internal combustion engine with parts broken away and shown in section to illustrate the application of the invention. 10 Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 are sectional diagrammatic views illustrating the time relation of establishing commumcation between wise cast integral and secured upon the cylinders C by the means of screw bolts 10 in the usual manner.

In carrying out the present invention there is provided what may be generally termed a rotary valve which consists in an outer cylindrical or tubular castin T which has turnably fitted therein a sha S. The tubular casing T is formed with a plurality of nipples 11 which are arranged longitudinally therefrom, one nipple being provided for each cylinder C, and the passa e 12 of each nipple communicating with t e interior of the tubular casing T. Also each nipple is formed at its outer end with an enlargement or collar 13 which is adapted to seat upon the cylindrical head H. In this instance the nipple 11 is seated over the associated opening of the cylinder heat which is initially provided for the recep tion of a spark plug. The spark plug has been removed and a sleeve nut 14 substituted therefor, said sleeve nut, in each instance, being threaded upwardly through the opening for the spark plug and threaded into the free end of the associated nipple and thus establishing communication between the combustion chamber of each cylinder with the interior of the tubular casing T. Also it may be mentioned that this particular manner of connecting the casing T is of value in that the same may be connected to any type of engine cylinders and especially easily accomplished where the cylinder heads may be removed as shown in the present instance.

The shaft S is provided with a bore 15 extending longitudinally thereof and having a transverse passage or bore 16 for each of the nipples 11 adapted to establish communication between the bore 15 of the shaft S and the cylinders of-the engine in the successive order of compression of gases in the cylinders. The manner in which the bores 16 of the shaft 15 will be brought into communication with the interior of the different cylinders C, is illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 inclusive, and such illustration made is thought to be clearl comprehensive without detailed description thereof.

The one end of the shaft S is extended as at 17 and said extended portion slightly tapered and carrying a sprocket gear Wheel 18, which has its inner side extended and secured with a hub 19. The sprocket gear wheel 18 is held upon the shaft S by a nut 20, and between the projected hub portion 19 of the sprocket 18 and end of casing T is interposed a stufi' box 21. The other end of the shaft S is formed with a collar 22, and between this collar and the same end of the casing T there is interposed a stuff box 23. Also this end of the shaft is formed with a hollow extension 24 which communicates with the bore 15 of'the shaft and which is interiorly threaded to receive a spark plug as indicated at 25. The spark plug 25 wil of course rotate with the shaft S and the sprocket wheel 18 carried by the shaft S has passed thereover a sprocket chain 26 which in turn passes over a suitable sprocket or spur gear wheel 27 carried by the crank shaft A.

Also there should be provided an induction coil or similar means as diagrammatically indicated at I, and a battery B or other source of electric current supply properly connected with the primary winding of the induction coil. A switch S may be interposed in the circuit of the primary winding of the induction coil I and the secondary winding of the induction coil should be connected at its one end to a wire 28 to the ground as at 29, and its other end to a brush generally indicated at 30. The brush may consist in any spring metal strip mounted suitably on a base 31 and so arranged that it will press against the binding post of the spark plug 25 and constantly maintainelectrical connection therewith, while said spark plug is being rotated with the shaft S.

In the operation of the invention, in starting the engine the switch S- should be closed whereupon there will be continuous sparking between the spark terminals of the spark plug 25. Now as the engine is started by a self cranking means, or the like, then of course the gases in the combustion chambersmf the cylinders C will be ignited in their regular and successive order by the spark plug 25. After the enginehas started then the switch S may be opened and thus discontinuing the use of the spark plug 25. Now the ignition of the engine will be self contained in a manner heretofore set out.

Referring to Figure 6 of the drawings, in this instance, the tubular casing T which houses the shaft S is formed integral with the cylinder heads H, otherwise the construction disclosed is the same as shown in Fi ure 1.

ile I have shown and described the preferred form of my invention, I wish it to e understood that I am aware of the fact that the construction, combination and arrangement of parts may be changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as indicated by the appended claims.

I claim 1. In combination, combustion cylinders, a rotary valve comprising a casing communicating with the explosive chamber of each cylinder, a hollow shaft within said casing having ports whereby the interior of said shaft may be brought into communication with the ex losive chamber of each cylinder in the order of firing thereof, and means whereby a continuous spark may be maintained within said hollow shaft.

2. In combination, combustion cylinders, a rotary valve comprising a casing having communication with the explosive chamber of each cylinder, a hollow shaft within said casing having ports whereby the interior of said shaft may be brought into communication with the explosive chamber of each engine cylinder in the order of firing of said cyllnders, and a spark plug supported at one end of said shaft.

3. In combination, combustion cylinders, a rotary valve comprising a casing having communication with the explosive chamber of each cylinder of said engine, a hollow shaft within said casing having ports whereby the interior of said shaft may be brought into communication with the explosive chamber of each cylinder in the order of firing of said cylinders, a spark plug supported at one end of said shaft, and means whereby a continuous spark may be caused to pass between 'the electrode and said spark plug, for the purpose described.

4. In combination, combustion cylinders, a rotary valve comprising a casing having communication with the explosive chamber of each cylinder, a hollow shaft within said casing having ports whereby the interior of said shaft may be brought into communication with the explosive chamber of each cylinder in the order of firing of said cylinders, a spark plug supported at one end of said shaft, a wiper for said spark plug adapted to maintain connection with said spark plug while the same is rotated with said shaft, and an ignition system whereby a continuous spark will be maintained between the electrodes of said spark plug.

5. In combination, a plurality of combustion cylinders, an elongated casing, a plu- III' l by the head of such memos relity of nipples extending from the casing one for each of the engine cylinders, en

each communicating with the interior of said casing, a hollow threaded plug cerried engine cylinder and adapted to be threaded into the associated nipple of said casing, and a rotatable hol low shaft within said casin hevi ports one for each of the nipples o the casm and adapted to be broug t into register t erewith with the rotation of said shaft and a spark lug mounted in the shaft for the purpose escribed.

PERCY WALTERS. 

